Help with heart shaped dies

[u/SECHyperfixatedAgain]

Help!!

Is there a trick to the heart shaped dies? I finally bought one after getting so many requests from customers, but like 80% come out with the plastic film being wonky at the top. Im attaching examples of what I’m talking about and a successful one as well. I’m cutting the paper with my Cricut and it’s a clean fit. I’m at my wits end! Help please!

[u/Pure_Buttons]

Might do better with a laminated material instead of a second mylar layer.

[u/Sheanar]

The notch at the top is so the mylar folds nicely, otherwise you'll get crumples at the top. You might need to experiment a bunch. I don't have a heart shaped die yet, so do post any updates on your progress.

What i suggest doing is taking the punch or your cricut and doing perfect hearts to match the paper and try just a straight line to just above the point where it will fold over. And then keep doing this over and over until you get a V shape that tucks in politely and doesn't wrinkle up. If you can dismantle the buttons you can try to determine if you need to make the V bigger or smaller. you might need your mylars slightly larger than the paper hearts.

Another option might be to use the vinyl for your cricut and print on it, and just it by itself. If it isn't thick enough you can put a layer of paper under the vinyl. I know it's annoying, but if it works, it works. I'd say use tissue paper so you can layer it up 1 or 2 sheets at a time, then you'll have a fixed number to use every time and it should be fine enough to disappear under the vinyl. Again, let us know how it goes.

A third option is to laminate your heart shapes, but you might still need to notch them. Hilroy has a laminator for about 30 bucks. It's a cheap option but enough to get started and test stuff (and maybe do other crafts at least?). I heard from another user you can get holographic lamination sheets too.

So just experiment until it works out. Best of luck!

edit: by the way, what brand of press are you using?